At its founding, Leipzig Lakers was primarily regarded as a club for hobby players. However, with the rise of two competitive Oberliga men’s teams (one inching closer to Regional status), an undefeated Oberliga women’s team (likely returning to the Regional league next season), a U16 boys’ championship team (still undefeated since last season), and U18 and U14 boys’ teams moving closer to their first league win—alongside a Minis program brimming with talented players—it’s safe to say this club is no longer just for hobbyists.
Maintaining a balance between hobby and competitive players is key to ensuring the club remains inclusive for all. To achieve this, having an internal program dedicated to competitive players is crucial for retaining talent. It also ensures that the club continues to foster a strong, youth development program that benefits its future.
This is where NXTGEN steps in.
What is NXTGEN?
NXTGEN is a new high-performance youth program at Leipzig Lakers, designed to provide elite training and competitive opportunities for youth players.
The program brings together the top youth talent (Minis → U19) and offers them additional skills training through intensive group sessions, individual mentoring, specialized camps/clinics, and relevant seminars. What sets this training apart from other programs is its foundation in evidence-based methods, allowing Leipzig Lakers to pioneer modern strategies in youth basketball development.
NXTGEN Team
There will be official NXTGEN boys‘ and girls‘ youth teams competing in the senior Mens/Ladies leagues. The boys‘ team will enter the Mens league next season, while prospective girls‘ players are already participating in the training program. To further their exposure to high-level competition, these two teams will also take part in national and international tournaments.
The boys’ team is set to compete in the upcoming U18 Sachsenmeisterschaft on March 2nd in Leipzig and will participate in its first international tournament in Prague this Easter.
Like the youth programs of major clubs that have achieved long-term success, NXTGEN aims to identify and develop the next generation of Leipzig’s basketball stars.
📢 Follow the official NXTGEN WhatsApp Channel for updates on NXTGEN training, games, and promotion of other youth teams at Leipzig Lakers!